A global survey of more than 7,000 employees found that 92.3% of workers are experiencing burnout. Burnout is a result of stress that’s related to work, the pandemic, and personal lives. The good news? Remote work options can help.
Researchers define burnout as a psychological syndrome resulting from chronic stressors on the job. Workplace burnout consists of three key symptoms:
- Overwhelming exhaustion.
- Feelings of cynicism and detachment from the job.
- A sense of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment.
“Burnout is way more than a bad day or a groan-worthy project. It’s a persistent feeling of disinterest, disdain, hopelessness, and fatigue in regards to your work life,” says Kat Boogaard. If this sounds like your typical workday, you’re not alone.
A recent Deloitte survey found that 77% of respondents have experienced burnout in their current job. In 2019, the World Health Organization included burnout as an occupational phenomenon.
Access to Remote Work
In the midst of today’s “hustle culture”, new research into remote work provides us with some hope. A recent survey found that when companies offer options to work remotely, workplace burnout declines by 26-43%. Burnout also decreases when employees feel that their managers display empathy.
The research also revealed that employees who have access to remote-work options report:
- Innovation increases: employees with remote work options are 63% more likely to report feeling innovative.
- Work engagement increases: employees with remote work options are 75% more likely to feel engaged at work.
- Workplace commitment increases: employees with remote work options are 68% more likely to report high commitment to their employer.
- Feeling of inclusion increases: employees with remote work options are 93% more likely feel included.
- Turnover decreases: employees with remote work options are 30% less likely to look for a new job in the next year. Women with childcare responsibilities and access to remote work are 32% less likely to leave their job.
Coworking Spaces Help Alleviate Remote Work Challenges
With all of its benefits, remote work also comes with unique challenges. If you’re working from home, setting boundaries between work time and leisure time can become more difficult. Not only can this contribute to burnout, but you miss out on benefits associated with mentally detaching from work.
Research shows that employees who mentally detach from work on a consistent basis feel more satisfied with their lives. They’re also more resilient in the face of stress and more productive and engaged during work hours.
Coworking spaces help reduce burnout and increase life satisfaction by:
- Providing a distinct, physical separation between work life and home/personal life.
- Encouraging behaviors that boost productivity, like changing out of pajamas, working in a clutter-free environment, and connecting with other professionals.
- Reducing social isolation and loneliness. Coworking spaces typically host social events to help you meet people that share similar interests and make new friends.
- Access to dedicated workspaces and hot desks.
- Private offices and meeting rooms for small businesses and remote workers.
Central Oregon residents can join The Haven Coworking for only $95 the first month.
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